Subj: A Return to the Shadows part 35
Date: 8/12/01 9:09:06 PM Central Daylight Time
From: KimD

The newcomer is Laura Linney

The next morning all of Julia thoughts of Barnabas, Quentin and Vicki were gone. She had done all that was necessary by offering the cure. She could no nothing to force Barnabas to take the treatments. It was up to Quentin, or fate to change things, though she would help if she were needed. Now it was time to take care of herself. She picked up the phone and called Elliot. "Good morning Elliot," she said after he answered the phone and greeted her.

"Julia," he answered sounding surprised. His voice was warm and refreshing like a brilliant spring day.

"I'm sorry I had to leave you so soon last night. I was hoping that we could continue our evening tonight," she said in a questioning voice.

"There's no need to apologize. Last night couldn't be avoided. I would love to see you again. How would you like to go to Bangor?"

"That sounds great. I'll see you then." She hung up the phone smiling to herself.

Julia's thoughts were still of Elliot as she descended the steps. She reached the foyer when she heard a knock at the door. She opened it see a well-dressed blond woman. Her hair was short and fell loose around her shoulders. She had an air of arrogance. At her feet was luggage. "Can I help you?" Julia asked, full of curiosity.

The woman smiled politely. "Yes, you can take my bags upstairs," she said presuming Julia was a servant. She walked past Julia and looked around the room as if she was appraising it all.

Julia turned to face the woman. "Let me introduce myself. I'm Dr. Julia Hoffman." She emphasized the doctor to make sure the woman didn't mistake her for the maid.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm Laura Collins." Julia was stunned for a moment. She had heard the family talk about Laura. She was supposed to be in an institute in England. Roger had put her there after she started a fire, which burned down the home she had shared with him. "Excuse me," she continued, "while I see about getting settled in." She then left the room.

Dark Shadows is a Dan Curtis Production.